Book Eater

Chapter 19 - Outside the Academy (1)

It had been a week since that meeting in Vince's laboratory.

"If you put the ingredients in the triangle drawn in the center of this magic circle and insert magic power—"

As always, the professor was standing in front of the chalkboard as he lectured on magic circles. Theodore had already studied this material three years ago, so he was mentally reviewing his conversation with Vince instead of wasting ink on taking meaningless notes.

A relationship filled with trust had been established with Professor Vince, but Theo's routine didn't have any major changes. He still attended classes as a student and fed Gluttony with library books. However, he didn't have to worry about the consequences anymore.

- Just submit a list of library books consumed on that day to me. There aren't any teaching staff managing the library, so it won't matter if I say that I am in charge.

Vince was a professor at Bergen Academy, and his position was very different from Theodore, who was a repeat student. It wouldn't be difficult for Vince to supplement the library books which had been consumed. No, he wouldn't lack money even if he bought out the whole library. As a 5th Circle master, he had the prospects and income of a senior magician. However, he wasn't too pleased when he heard that Theo had been visiting a black market trader.

- ... I won't deny the results that it brought you, but the black market is far more dangerous than it appears. It would be best if you didn't visit them anymore.

- Even though I used the Geass Scroll?

- Yes. A Geass Scroll is just a forced pledge between you and the black market trader. It isn't uncommon to be caught in other places. The depths of that world run deep, and that black market trader only operates on its outskirts.

Professor Vince hadn't smiled even once as he spoke. It was the face of a man who had seriously looked into the darkness and experienced its madness. The only thing Theodore could do was nod quietly and give up on going to the black market trader.

Besides, there is no reason to go to the black market anymore.

Professor Vince could easily provide him with artifacts to increase his magic power. The artifacts themselves were expensive, but they were still cheaper than conventional magic reagents and provided more magic power in comparison. Furthermore, consuming artifacts only added to his burgeoning list of magic spells.

Theo glanced at the table in his head.

[Grimoire "Gluttony"/ E Rank]

[Skill: Magic Power Amplification, Attributes Affinity

One of the seals on Gluttony's power has been removed. Gluttony can now save a selection of spells and cast them freely. This ability can be further improved with additional magic power. The previous owner called this feature 'Memorize.' As the current owner, you can change the name if you want.

* Incomplete state. Most of the functions are sealed.

* Once a day, it will wake up to relieve its hunger.

* Immediately after relieving its hunger, it will answer one question.

* The abilities it feeds on will be given to its owner.

* Extracts an essence from consumed books or items. The higher the owner's understanding, the greater the efficiency of extraction.

* Absorbs some magic power from an item which contains magic power.

* The Memorize function has been activated.]

The consumption of Roaring Flames had triggered this change in Gluttony. Theo's magic power had shot through the early stages of the 3rd Circle and stabilized at the halfway point. The additional magic power coursing through his body had then lifted one of Gluttony's seals and provided a description of the new Memorize ability.